At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs compliance and guide the UK supply chain in international trade.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG organisation with a focus on growth and compliance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in customs management and support business success.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain or related field; experience in customs and trade compliance.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A leading FMCG organisation is seeking an experienced Customs Manager to take responsibility for customs compliance and provide expert guidance across its UK supply chain. The role will ensure the business meets all relevant customs and international trade requirements while supporting effective commercial decision-making and business growth. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external customs agents to manage risk, control costs and drive best practice across import and export activity.
This is a key role for an experienced customs professional who can combine strong technical knowledge with a practical, commercially focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert guidance on customs regulations and international trade requirements, supporting the business with import and export decisions relating to raw materials and finished goods.
- Manage relationships with external customs agents and brokers, ensuring compliance, minimising risk and achieving cost-effective transactions.
- Monitor and control customs-related expenditure, working with stakeholders to ensure costs are understood and effectively managed.
- Ensure all import and export procedures are followed and that the business remains compliant with applicable regulations.
- Work closely with Logistics and Customer Services to ensure export orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
- Partner with Procurement and Supply Planning to ensure import requirements and customs regulations are fully understood and adhered to.
- Drive best practice and continuous improvement across customs processes and procedures.
- Provide clear, practical guidance to stakeholders and contribute to effective business decision-making.
- Support the wider Supply Chain team in achieving relevant KPIs and operational objectives.
- Maintain strong communication and collaboration across functions and with external partners.
Experience & QualificationsEssential
- Degree in a relevant discipline such as Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade or Business, or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrable experience in customs, trade compliance or international logistics, ideally within FMCG, food manufacturing or a similar environment.
- Practical knowledge of UK and EU customs procedures, including tariff classification, rules of origin and import/export documentation.
- Experience managing third-party customs agents or brokers.
- Strong understanding of UK, EU and international customs regulations and their practical application.
Desirable
- Customs-related professional qualification, such as BIFA, IOE&IT Diploma in Customs or equivalent.
- Experience with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and customs duty relief schemes, including inward/outward processing and customs warehousing.
- Experience working with post-Brexit UK/EU trade arrangements.
- Experience within a multi-site manufacturing or FMCG environment.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business guidance.
- Confident stakeholder management and the ability to influence colleagues across Logistics, Procurement, Supply Planning and Customer Services.
- Strong commercial awareness, particularly around cost control and customs-related expenditure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical regulatory matters to non-specialists.
- Strong supplier and vendor management capabilities, particularly when working with customs agents and brokers.
- A proactive, risk-aware approach with a strong focus on compliance and continuous improvement.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders.
Scope of the Role
The role is responsible for monitoring and controlling customs-related expenditure, including duties, agent fees and associated costs, while supporting stakeholders in making commercially sound decisions. There are no direct reports. The role operates cross-functionally, providing guidance to colleagues across Supply Chain and managing relationships with external customs agents and brokers.
Working Environment
The position is a Hybrid role based at a site in the Peterborough area, with regular collaboration with Supply Chain and Operations teams. Occasional travel to other UK sites and external customs agent or broker locations may be required, but travel is not expected to be a routine or frequent part of the role.
Confidentiality
This opportunity is being handled on a confidential basis. Further information regarding the organisation, exact location and reporting structure will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Bedrijfsleider (HBO) in Peterborough employer: Confidential Jobs
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bedrijfsleider (HBO) in Peterborough
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Confidential Jobs and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
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Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Confidential Jobs!
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We think you need these skills to ace Bedrijfsleider (HBO) in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Confidential Jobs:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Confidential Jobs. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential Jobs
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Confidential Jobs.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Confidential Jobs that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Confidential Jobs. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
